The long-awaited verdict on the murder case of Mike Venema has finally been delivered by the Court of Justice on Curaçao. On February 26, 2025, five suspects were sentenced for their roles in the violent death of the 53-year-old Dutch national, whose body was found submerged in his vehicle almost one year after he disappeared.
Sentences handed down varied significantly, with Suyati M., identified as the primary perpetrator, receiving the longest sentence of 15 years. The other defendants, Eurodis J. (7 years), Shakir C. (48 months of juvenile detention), Shahier P. (12 years), and Ervinella F. (30 months), were all present for the court's decision.
The court heard how Venema, who had been living and working on the island, was lured to his death. Testimonies revealed he was drugged with an injection to the neck, assaulted, and then strangled. The original intent had been robbery, but after the thieves realized they could not access the safe with the stolen keys, the situation escalated tragically. After killing Venema, the group transported his body to the remote location of Shut and staged it at the wheel of his Ford Raptor before dumping the vehicle and its occupant in the Caribbean Sea.
Fueled by public interest and investigative pressure, efforts to solve the case intensified significantly when the Peter R. de Vries Foundation offered a reward of €100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible parties. This move sparked approximately twenty tips, reviving what had been regarded as a cold case for nearly five years.
The prosecutor’s office classified the incident as involving three serious crimes: manslaughter, robbery with violence, and concealment of a body. This classification helped clarify the varying degrees of responsibility attributed to each defendant. The court emphasized the irreversible nature of taking another life and the permanent impact it has on the victim’s family and community.
During the sentencing, the judge remarked, "Killing someone is irreversible. It leaves no room for recovery, and intervening more deeply in another's life is not possible." This statement resonates deeply, particularly with the shattered family of Mike Venema. His parents sadly passed away without ever knowing the truth behind their son's death.
The sentencing marks the conclusion of what has been a protracted legal struggle stretching back to late 2018 when Venema first went missing. Despite the challenges, the collaboration between the Dutch and Curaçao police, alongside the foundation dedicated to solving unresolved murder and disappearance cases, played a pivotal role. The judge acknowledged this support, noting the systematic efforts to bring the truth to light.
After the verdict, Kelly de Vries, director of the Peter R. de Vries Foundation, expressed relief and the significance of the verdict. "Today, justice has finally come for Mike Venema. After years of uncertainty, all suspects have been convicted," she stated. "We are proud to have contributed to a key tip, which highlights the importance of our work. If these convictions are upheld, it will be the first time we award the reward. Our hearts remain with Mike's family during this difficult time. This is why we continue our efforts for them and for all other unresolved cases."
The convicted individuals now face the prospect of appeal. The public prosecutor's office is also reviewing the sentences to determine if they will contest any rulings. Depending on how the appeals process plays out, the memory of Mike Venema will be intertwined with the legal proceedings for some time yet. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the devastating impact of violence and the tireless pursuit of justice.